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Strengthening Social Protection in Comoros: ILO Mission to Moroni
In response to the request for technical assistance from the government of Comoros to the International Labour Organization (ILO) regarding the strengthening of the national social protection system, a technical mission took place from October 7 to 11, 2024, in Moroni.
The ILO’s technical assistance aims to support the government’s efforts in several key areas, including the revision of the legal framework for social protection in light of Convention No. 102 concerning Social Security (Minimum Standards), 1952; the development of an actuarial study for the old-age, disability, and survivors’ branches; and the establishment of a social dialogue process with social partners to jointly develop a technically viable social security code that strengthens social cohesion and renews the social contract.
Meetings and technical working sessions were held with the authorities and teams from the Ministry of Youth, Employment, Labour, Sports, Arts and Culture, the Comoros Retirement Fund, the National Solidarity and Social Welfare Fund, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and Gender Promotion, the Technical Unit for Health Insurance Management, the Ministry of Public Service, and the National Institute of Statistics and Economic and Demographic Studies. Other meetings were held with the Confederation of Comorian Workers (CTTC) and the Comorian Business Movement (MODEC).
“It is essential to rethink the current system with an approach based on inclusivity, solidarity, and sustainability, and with transparent and effective governance.” - Faharate Mahamoud, MODEC
Given the ratification of Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) by the Union of the Comoros in July 2022 and its importance for designing comprehensive, sustainable, robust, and legally anchored social protection systems, a two-day tripartite training workshop was held to deepen the knowledge of social partners and the government on this key global social security convention.
Indeed, Convention No. 102 is the ILO’s flagship social security convention, as it is the only international instrument based on core social security principles that establishes globally agreed minimum standards for the nine branches of social security.
The ILO team included Frederick Muia, Director of the ILO Country Office for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles; Jasmina Papa, Social Protection Specialist at the ILO office in Pretoria; Sylviane Vololoniaina, Programme Officer at the Country Office in Antananarivo; Monica Vinueza Flores, Social Protection Legal and Standards Officer; and Martin Blumhart and Moustapha Diouf, Actuaries, all three from the Department of Universal Social Protection (SOCPRO) at the ILO headquarters in Geneva. Amanda Mejia Canadas, International Labour Standards and Labour Law Specialist at the ILO office in Pretoria joined the team via videoconference.
“Convention No. 102 is the foundation on which we can build a robust social security system, ensuring both the competitiveness of businesses and the dignity of workers. A society that protects its workers aims for social peace. The social security promoted by Convention No. 102 is not only a tool for social justice, but also a tool for stability.” - Omar Ibrahim, CTTC